9 defining moments from the latest fashion month

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2018 is already looking promising for the world of fashion. The fall 2018 leg of fashion weeks just wrapped up with some of the most exciting shows. The term ‘fashion week’ is usually stretched to make room for the overabundance of talent from different parts of the world. Staring from New York to ending in Paris, at times, the sartorially spirited month can seem like a blur of arrivals, clothes, trends and Instagram posts. In all of this, in case you missed something, here’s a refresher course of the most talked-about moments.

Calvin KleinRaf Simons’s third runway show for Calvin Klein drew references from the 1995 thriller Safe. Dresses made from mylar blankets, chunky sweaters, oversized coats were seen on the runway with the underlying message of clothing as a way of arming oneself from external forces.

Models not only walked down the runway carrying bags of popcorn, but also waded through it on the runway, adding to the dystopian mood at the show.

BalenciagaDemna Gvasalia’s leadership at Balenciaga is about re-looking at fashion in a present-day context. Rather than trying to fit the bill of his predecessor’s aesthetics, Gvasalia has made a name for himself with his subversive ways. This season, it was the French luxury house’s lineup of multi-layered jackets caught everyone’s attention, giving birth to memes. For a creative force like Gvasalia, nothing speaks success like virality. Mission accomplished.

BurberryChristopher Bailey parted ways with British heritage brand luxury brand Burberry after 17 long years. His swan song highlighted the need to support LGBTQ+ youth and make the conversation mainstream. Easily one of the most heartfelt and original shows seen till date, this one will be remembered fondly for years to come.

Tod’sFashion weeks can be tiring—one unsmiling show after another can make the mood quite dreary. The Tod’s presentation for the season, not unlike its campaign, involved some furry friends. Models walked out carrying puppies, causing the audience to break into grins. What’s not to love about a show like that.

Richard QuinnThere are designers who can draw a crowd and then some. Richard Quinn’s presentation had the most important front row member of all times. Quinn is the recipient of the British Design Award, and to see his work live was none other than Queen Elizabeth II in the front row.

GucciAlessandro Michele’s Gucci has always celebrated the oddballs. The theme behind this season’s show was to highlight our constant need to alter realities. “We are the Dr Frankenstein of our lives,” said Michele in an interview. “There’s a clinical clarity about what I am doing. I was thinking of a space that represents the creative act. I wanted to represent the lab I have in my head. It’s physical work, like a surgeon’s.” There were models carrying replicas of their own severed heads, cradling baby dragons and third eyes. The mood was surreal one that caused gasps.

However, Michele’s use of turbans on white models caused an uproar in the Sikh community, pointing at fashion’s uncomfortable problem with cultural appropriation. Many were of the opinion that employing a Sikh model or using a fashion turban for the sake of the show would have been a more tolerant approach by the brand.

VersaceItalian brand Versace’s more-is-more aesthetic is about embracing its roots. Given the revival of the ’80s, the Versace signature is more current than ever. Bold prints, bright colours, gold accents—the fierce collection was one of the most well-received shows this season. Responsible for giving birth to the supermodel era, this season saw Racquel Zimmermann and Natalia Vodianova back on the runway.

Alexander McQueenSarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen is a subtle yet firm voice advocating feminism. Dainty embroidered dress or a power suit—there is an underlying sense of strength attached to the label’s designs. Despite showing in Paris, the British brand has always been proud of its origins. Each attendee was presented with a personalised Aran sweater—how is that for a giant fashion hug?

Presidential dinnerFrench President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted a dinner for all of the designers who participated in Paris Fashion Week at their residence in the Élysée Palace. “These creative men and women with entrepreneurial spirit come from different places. Some are French, some are not. The thread that binds them: they all chose to come or stay, here in France, and develop fashion companies. This family picture emphasises the attractiveness of France as the homeland of everyone who wants to create and succeed,” said President Macron in a post. Indian designers Manish Arora and Rahul Mishra were amongst the attendees.